Iowa

Biography of J. Edgar Sawhill

J. Edgar Sawhill, born on October 7, 1858, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, is a prominent farmer in Page County, Iowa. After relocating in 1892, he improved his 110-acre farm through intensive farming methods and contributes to local agricultural initiatives, including the Farmers Institute. Married to Minnie A. Garrett with two children, he is an active elder in the Presbyterian church and a steadfast Republican, focusing on his farming success without seeking public office. His farm is recognized as one of the best in the county.

Biography of George W. Scholes

George W. Scholes, a prominent farmer in Harlan township, Iowa, was born on July 7, 1840, in Ohio. After moving to Iowa with his family in 1851 and engaging in pioneer life, he served in the Eighth Iowa Cavalry during the Civil War. Following the war, he settled on his current farm in 1869, where he raised both grain and livestock. Scholes was married to Elizabeth C. Blair, and they had seven children. He has been a dedicated member of the Reformed Presbyterian church for over three decades.

Biography of Hon. O. H. Frink

Hon. O. H. Frink, born on May 26, 1848, in Elkhart, Indiana, is a notable civic leader and businessman in Page County. Orphaned at a young age, he began working early, serving in the Civil War, and later transitioning to farming and mercantile ventures. Elected as county treasurer and later to the state legislature, he contributed to significant reforms. Now serving as Shenandoah’s mayor, Frink is committed to public service and community improvement, earning respect for his dedication and contributions to local governance.

Biography of Ed F. Rose

Ed F. Rose, born July 24, 1859, in Illinois, is a notable figure in Clarinda, Iowa, as the president of the Clarinda National Bank. He has a solid reputation for integrity and progressive business practices. After starting his career in a grocery store and transitioning to the grain trade, he later ventured into lumber. In 1905, he became vice president of the bank and soon after its president. A dedicated community member and Scottish Rite Mason, Rose’s efforts have significantly contributed to the local economy’s development.

Biography of Joseph C Foster

Joseph C. Foster, born in 1826 in Madison County, Ohio, was the youngest of four sons in a large family. He engaged in farming and stock-raising throughout his life. After marrying Maria C. Kingham in 1848, they had nine sons, all of whom became farmers. Foster moved to Page County, Iowa, where he established a successful farm in East River township. A dedicated member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a Mason, he contributed to local education and held various township offices while preferring to avoid extensive political involvement.

Biography of W. P. Ferguson

W. P. Ferguson, born in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 29, 1843, emigrated to America as a child. He became a prominent figure in Shenandoah, Iowa, recognized for his legal expertise and contributions to civic development. Admitted to the bar in 1870, he played a key role in establishing the town’s legal and educational foundations, including the first college and Presbyterian church. Serving as mayor and county attorney, his influence shaped the community significantly, cementing his legacy as a dedicated public servant and esteemed judge.

Biography of Earl R. Ferguson

Earl R. Ferguson, born on April 30, 1876, in Shenandoah, Iowa, is a distinguished lawyer and community leader. He graduated high school in 1893, studied law under his father, and gained admission to the bar in 1900. Known for his legal acumen, Ferguson represented important cases and contributed significantly to Shenandoah’s development. He married Lucile Ann Bull in 1902 and has one son, Sterling. Active in local organizations and politics, he has served as justice of the peace and city attorney, earning respect within the community.

Biography of S. A. Youngberg

S. A. Youngberg, a proud citizen of Tarkio township, was born in Sweden in June 1837. After receiving his education in Sweden, he emigrated to the United States in 1867, settling first in Illinois before moving to Page County, Iowa, where he purchased farmland. Married to Mathilda Johnson in 1863, they had seven children. A member of the Lutheran church and a Republican, Youngberg exemplifies the industrious spirit of Swedish immigrants, achieving success through hard work and commitment to his community.

Biography of Harry Edmond Parslow

Harry Edmond Parslow, born on April 15, 1855, in Canada, is a prominent attorney in Clarinda, Iowa, practicing since 1879. After arriving in Iowa in 1875, he transitioned from clerking to law studies, ultimately gaining admission to the bar. He has served as local attorney for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and held various civic positions, actively contributing to community welfare. Married to Anna Burrows, they have one daughter, Dorothy. Parslow is respected for his dedication to public service and strong personal integrity.

Biography of N. P. Damewood

N. P. Damewood, born on November 9, 1852, in Dubois County, Indiana, has played a significant role in Nebraska township’s agricultural development for over fifty years. His family moved to Iowa in 1857 and later settled in Nebraska township, where he has maintained a 102-acre farm. Married to Clara Harrington in 1876, he has been actively involved in farming and livestock management. His parents, Isaac and Elizabeth Damewood, contributed to the community, with Isaac serving as sheriff in Page County.

Waggoner, Jessie E. (Gunn) – Obituary

Funeral services for Mrs. A. B. Waggoner, also known as Jessie E. Gunn, were held on September 22, 1949, at the Methodist church in Odebolt, officiated by Rev. H. M. Burns. Born on July 27, 1869, in Clinton, Iowa, Jessie moved to Crawford County at age 12 and married A. B. Waggoner in 1888. She had eight children, six of whom survive her. A dedicated community member and churchgoer, she passed away on September 20, 1949, at the age of 80.

Biography of S. M. Elrick, Jr.

S. M. Elrick, Jr. was born on February 18, 1864, in Henry County, Illinois, and later moved to Page County, Iowa, with his parents. After gaining experience in veterinary work and working on the railroad, he purchased a 77-acre farm in Valley Township in 1900. Elrick and his wife, Mary B. Sullivan, have eight children. A Republican and community advocate, he has served as a school director and is active in the Odd Fellows Lodge. Their family is well-regarded and socially connected within the community.

Waggoner, Henry – Obituary

Henry Waggoner passed away on February 28, 1895, due to pneumonia after a brief illness. Born on September 5, 1834, in Perry County, Pennsylvania, he moved to Odebolt in 1881 with his wife, Ellen M. Murphy. A veteran of the Civil War, he served in the 208th Pennsylvania Volunteers and was an active community member. Waggoner is remembered as a kind and respected individual, leaving behind a wife, six sons, and four daughters. His funeral was held at the M.E. church, organized by the G.A.R.

Biography of O. A. Kimball

O. A. Kimball, born in 1835 in New Hampshire, was a significant figure in Clarinda’s business landscape, particularly in the lumber and agricultural sectors. After moving to Peoria, Illinois, he established a lumber business in Clarinda in 1857 with partner Charles P. Osgood. Kimball later shifted focus to farming and built a notable residence in the community. Married to Eva Pierce, he had three children, with one surviving. Kimball passed away in 1892, remembered for his civic contributions and integrity in life.

Nippert, Charles Elsworth – Obituary

Charles Elsworth Nippert, born November 18, 1863, in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, passed away on January 5, 1942, in Galva, Iowa, at the age of 78. He moved to northwest Iowa as a child and became a lifelong farmer. In 1889, he married Elizabeth Hessler, with whom he had four children. They took in three orphaned nephews, providing them a loving home. After retiring from farming in 1922, he lived in Galva. He was preceded in death by his wife and one son, Lawrence.

Biographical Sketch of Claus Rochau

Claus Rochau, born in 1842 in Holstein, Germany, immigrated to America in 1860 and settled in Galva Township, Ida County, Iowa, in 1877. He married Minnie Bower, also of German descent, and they had ten children: Gusta, Herman, Annie, Lizzie, Minnie, Emma, Willie, John, Katy, and Alice. Claus served as School Director, contributing to his community as one of its early settlers.

Biographical Sketch of Henry Lee

Henry Lee, born on March 17, 1833, in Pennsylvania, became a prominent figure in Ida County, Iowa, as the proprietor of Summit Heights stock farm. He married Maria Fishburn in 1863, with whom he had four children. A veteran of the Civil War, Lee served as a captain in the 209th Pennsylvania Volunteers, enduring captivity in several Confederate prisons. After the war, he moved to Iowa in 1882, later residing in Arkansas before returning to Ida County, where he became known for his exceptional horses and was active in the G.A.R.

Biographical Sketch of Charles Hansen

Charles Hansen, born March 25, 1856, in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, immigrated to the United States at 17. He married Anna Margret Jepsen, a fellow immigrant from Denmark, in 1882. The couple settled in Ida County, Iowa, where they farmed until moving to Ida Grove in 1917. They had ten children, including Mary, Louis, and Gladys. Charles died on July 22, 1931, and Anna passed on March 3, 1939. He had siblings in Illinois, Australia, and Michigan.

Biographical Sketch of Andrew Preston

Andrew Preston, born May 8, 1850, in Forfarshire, Scotland, emigrated to America at age nine. He settled in Chicago and later in Ida County, Iowa, where he established “Bonnie Brae” stock farm and cultivated various trees and plants on his wild land. He married Elvira M. Smith and later Anna J. Ferguson, fathering five children. Active in local governance, Preston was secretary of the Ida County Agricultural Society and served in various township roles, demonstrating his commitment to the agricultural community.

Biographical Sketch of Mary Allison Harrison

William E. Harrison, born June 6, 1851, in Iowa, moved west in 1875, eventually marrying Mary Ellen Allison on December 21, 1875. They settled in Sac County, where they faced a devastating cyclone in 1878 that destroyed their home. Following this, they lived with neighbors until a new house was built. The couple later moved to Galva, where they resided until their deaths, raising six children during their life together. William died in 1931, and Mary in 1938.